Marion Eckhardt : Sven GÖRLICH on film-set accompanying photography, the life outside and on set for COCA COLA, BECK'S and BRAUN

When times call for a shoot to accompany a film production, Sven GÖRLICH is the go-to-guy. The former model has already entertained illustrious stars such as Sharon Stone, Kate Winslet, Brad Pitt or Pamela Anderson in front of his camera, yet he increasingly yields to the lure of advertising film, where he photographs material for clients such as BECK'S, COCA COLA or MCDONALD'S. We decided to probe him for more information . . .

Do you actually take pictures during the shoot or is a different type of lighting to that of the commercial spot set up?
“We usually use the lights that are available, sometimes during the breaks too. To cut a long story short, we use the film lights as they are. If there is enough time, you can always set up your own lighting rig but that rarely happens”

Why doesn't the DOP take the pictures directly on the set?
“Occasionally the director or the DOP will take some pictures themselves. Yet, having a separate photographer makes for excellent usage of the available time and resources, ad films are rather expensive too produce after all. Most of the time, the director or the DOP is busy preparing the next scene or rearranging the set anyway.”

Wouldn't it be easier to just use film stills?
“You might be able to use film stills for websites, but not for print, let alone large billboards. There are usually very specific layouts for the print. Film pictures are composed in a very different way.”

When will CGI backgrounds supersede the green meadows of Cape Town?
“Well, the production costs in Cape Town still offer good value at least for the time being. . . Furthermore, Cape Town offers great light. And the cost for the subsequent post-production can be very expensive. And live is just live and that's that. Let's enjoy the world as it is and not virtually behind a computer screen. Life is what happens outside . . .”

We kind of agree with that notion and present life-stylish motifs from Sven's most recent production. He is already en route to the South-African sun and is looking forward to shooting his next commercial production.